Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.

EZEKIEL 32:18KJV
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Ezekiel 32:18 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 32:18 mean?

Ezekiel 32:18 is a command from God to Ezekiel to mourn for Egypt and to declare that Egypt and other powerful nations will be brought down to the lowest depths of the earth, joining those who have already perished. The verse uses strong language to show that Egypt’s downfall will be complete and that it will share the fate of other nations that have been judged.

In this verse, God is speaking to Ezekiel, calling him “son of man,” and instructing him to “wail” or lament for Egypt’s people. The setting is a prophecy against Egypt, warning that Egypt, along with other once-famous nations (“daughters of the famous nations”), will be brought down to “the nether parts of the earth,” a poetic way of describing the grave or the realm of the dead. This is part of a series of prophecies where Ezekiel announces judgment on nations that opposed Israel.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 32:18

  • “Wail” (נָהָה, nāhāh): This word means to mourn or lament loudly, often in response to disaster or death. Here, it emphasizes the seriousness and sorrow of Egypt’s coming judgment.
  • “Multitude” (הָמוֹן, hāmôn): This word refers to a great number of people, highlighting that it is not just Egypt’s leaders but the whole population that will face this fate.
  • “Nether parts” (תַּחְתִּיּוֹת, taḥtiyyōt): This phrase means the lowest or deepest parts, often used for the underworld or grave. It stresses how far Egypt will fall.
  • “Pit” (בּוֹר, bôr): This word is often used for a grave or a place of destruction, reinforcing the idea that Egypt will join others in death and defeat.

Why Ezekiel 32:18 matters

  • Ezekiel 32:18 clarifies that God’s judgment is not just for individuals but can come upon entire nations, no matter how powerful or famous they are.
  • The verse connects Egypt’s fate to that of other nations, showing that no earthly glory can protect against divine judgment.
  • This verse helps the reader see the larger context of Ezekiel’s prophecies, which often use vivid imagery to warn nations about the consequences of pride and opposition to God.

Where else these words appear

“wail” Hebrew H5091 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Samuel 7:2 And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.
  • Micah 2:4 In that day shall one take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, and say, We be utterly spoiled: he hath changed the portion of my people: how hath he removed it from me! turning away he hath divided our fields.

“parts” Hebrew H8482 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Job 41:24 His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone.
  • Lamentations 3:55 I called upon thy name, O LORD, out of the low dungeon.

“famous” Hebrew H117 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 15:10 Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
  • Psalms 8:9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
  • Jeremiah 25:34 Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.

“pit” Hebrew H953 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 37:20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,
  • Jeremiah 6:7 As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds.